Haylie Duff Wraps Filming of #WinPlaceLove

A Star Takes The Director’s Chair

Haylie Duff, best known for her on-screen roles in series like 7th Heaven and films such as Napoleon Dynamite, has officially wrapped production on her directorial debut, Win Place Love. In a May Instagram post, Duff wrote, “Made a really pretty movie with some special people #WinPlaceLove 📸 @tygotu2,” alongside a gallery of candid set moments captured by photographer Ty Gotu.

After two decades in front of the camera, Duff shifted gears to steer this indie romance. Sources close to the project say the narrative centers on small-town love, community ties and second chances—elements that resonated deeply with Duff’s vision for heartfelt storytelling.

Kentucky Charm

Shooting took place across Paris, Kentucky, where Duff shared an earlier update: “This place & these moments will live rent free in my mind forever ✨ Directing #WinPlaceLove Paris, KY 📸 @whoisbrown.” Local landmarks—including a vintage carousel and a historic downtown street—feature prominently in the film’s aesthetic. Producers tapped regional crews and cast members, helping bring authenticity to the setting.

Duff worked closely with Kentucky-based DP Brown (@whoisbrown), praising the natural light and rustic backdrops that added “a touch of magic to every scene.” By shining a spotlight on small-town Americana, Win Place Love hopes to capture the charm that drew Duff to the project in the first place.

Behind-the-scenes Showcases

Throughout the shoot, Duff handed over her Instagram feed to glimpses of daily life on set. In a wrap announcement, she posted: “That’s a wrap on #WinPlaceLove ✨ Grateful for this amazing cast & crew! What an adventure.” The accompanying photos show Duff exchanging high-fives with her production team and sharing coffee breaks with lead actors.

She also highlighted the sound department’s contributions, thanking @softstickssound and photographer @tygotu2 for “giving us so many gems” in a dedicated behind-the-scenes collage. These BTS moments underscore Duff’s collaborative approach—balancing creative leadership with a genuine appreciation for every crew member’s craft.

What’s Next For Duff

With principal photography complete, Duff and her producing partners are now in post-production, aiming for a festival run later this year. Win Place Love marks her first credit as both director and producer. It follows a series of family-friendly films she starred in over the past decade, including standout appearances in A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish and Reach Me.

Duff’s transition behind the camera echoes a broader trend: actors stepping into directorial roles to tell personal stories. As she juggles editing notes and scoring sessions, fans can expect more updates on release plans via her social channels.

Haylie Duff’s move into directing demonstrates how a fresh perspective can springboard from familiar industry roots. By wrapping Win Place Love, she not only closes one chapter in her career but also signals the start of a new creative journey—one that blends her acting sensibility with a director’s eye for emotional detail.

Trivia

Haylie Duff starred in the 2004 film 'The Lizzie McGuire Movie', which was a continuation of the popular television series.

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Pratibha

 

Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.

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